Chelsea

Chelsea is in London.

1557 Death of Anne of Cleves

1557 Battle of St Quentin

After 14 Jul 1657 Charles Cheyne 1st Viscount Newhaven (age 31) purchased the manor of Chelsea and its main house, Chelsea Place, financed by the dowry of his wife Lady Jane Cavendish (age 35). He paid for the house in instalments beginning in 1657 with £1,900 and made the final payment for whole estate in 1661 at a total cost of £13,626.

Evelyn's Diary. 09 Mar 1661. I went with that excellent person and philosopher, Sir Robert Murray (age 53), to visit Mr. Boyle (age 34) at Chelsea, and saw divers effects of the eolipile for weighing air.

Evelyn's Diary. 03 Feb 1662. I went to Chelsea, to see Sir Arthur Gorges' house.

Pepy's Diary. 04 May 1663. He being gone to Chelsey by coach I to his lodgings, where my wife staid for me, and she from thence to see Mrs. Pierce and called me at Whitehall stairs (where I went before by land to know whether there was any play at Court to-night) and there being none she and I to Mr. Creed to the Exchange [Map], where she bought something, and from thence by water to White Fryars, and wife to see Mrs. Turner (age 40), and then came to me at my brother's, where I did give him order about my summer clothes, and so home by coach, and after supper to bed to my wife, with whom I have not lain since I used to lie with my father till to-night.

Pepy's Diary. 27 May 1663. Thence by water to Chelsey, all the way reading a little book I bought of "Improvement of Trade", a pretty book and many things useful in it. So walked to Little Chelsey, where I found my Lord Sandwich (age 37) with Mr. Becke, the master of the house, and Mr. Creed at dinner, and I sat down with them, and very merry.

Pepy's Diary. 28 May 1663. Up this morning, and my wife, I know not for what cause, being against going to Chelsey to-day, it being a holy day (Ascension Day) and I at leisure, it being the first holy day almost that we have observed ever since we came to the office, we did give Ashwell leave to go by herself, and I out to several places about business. Among others to Dr. Williams, to reckon with him for physique that my wife has had for a year or two, coming to almost £4.

Pepy's Diary. 30 Jun 1663. By and by by water to White Hall, and there to my Lord's lodgings by appointment, whither Mr. Creed comes to me, having been at Chelsey this morning to fetch my Lord to St. James's.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Aug 1663. And so to White Hall, where I met Mr. Moore, and he tells me with great sorrow of my lord's being debauched he fears by this woman at Chelsey, which I am troubled at, and resolve to speak to him of it if I can seasonably.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Aug 1663. To my office till it was dark doing business, and so home by candle light to make up my accounts for my Lord and Mr. Moore. By and by comes Mr. Moore to me, and staid a good while with me making up his accounts and mine, and we did not come to any end therein for want of his papers, and so put it off to another time. He supped with me in all my dirt and disorder, and so went away and we to bed. I discoursed with him a great while about my speaking to my Lord of his business, and I apprehend from him that it is likely to prove perhaps of bad effect to me and no good to him, and therefore I shall even let it alone and let God do his will, at least till my Lord is in the country, and then we shall see whether he resolves to come to Chelsey again or no, and so order the stopping of him therein if we can.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Aug 1663. Thence to White Hall, and there met Mr. Moore, and fell a-talking about my Lord's folly at Chelsey, and it was our discourse by water to London and to the great coffee house against the Exchange [Map], where we sat a good while talking; and I find that my lord is wholly given up to this wench, who it seems has been reputed a common strumpett. I have little encouragement from Mr. Moore to meddle with it to tell my Lord, for fear it may do him no good, but me hurt.

Pepy's Diary. 07 Sep 1663. And so I to my Lord Crew's, thinking to have dined there, but it was too late, and so back and called at my brother's and Mr. Holden's about several businesses, and went all alone to the Black Spread Eagle [Map] in Bride Lane, and there had a chopp of veale and some bread, cheese, and beer, cost me a shilling to my dinner, and so through Fleet Ally, God forgive me, out of an itch to look upon the sluts there, against which when I saw them my stomach turned, and so to Bartholomew Fayre, where I met with Mr. Pickering, and he and I to see the Monkeys at the Dutch house, which is far beyond the other that my wife and I saw the other day; and thence to see the dancing on the ropes, which was very poor and tedious. But he and I fell in discourse about my Lord Sandwich (age 38). He tells me how he is sorry for my Lord at his being at Chelsey, and that his but seeming so to my Lord without speaking one word, had put him clear out of my Lord's favour, so as that he was fain to leave him before he went into the country, for that he was put to eat with his servants; but I could not fish from him, though I knew it, what was the matter; but am very sorry to see that my Lord hath thus much forgot his honour, but am resolved not to meddle with it. The play being done, I stole from him and hied home, buying several things at the ironmonger's-dogs, tongs, and shovels-for my wife's closett and the rest of my house, and so home, and thence to my office awhile, and so home to supper and to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 09 Sep 1663. Thence to Sir W. Warren's again, and there drew up a contract for masts which he is to sell us, and so home to dinner, finding my poor wife busy. I, after dinner, to the office, and then to White Hall, to Sir G. Carteret's (age 53), but did not speak with him, and so to Westminster Hall [Map], God forgive me, thinking to meet Mrs. Lane, but she was not there, but here I met with Ned Pickering (age 45), with whom I walked 3 or 4 hours till evening, he telling me the whole business of my Lord's folly with this Mrs. Becke, at Chelsey, of all which I am ashamed to see my Lord so grossly play the beast and fool, to the flinging off of all honour, friends, servants, and every thing and person that is good, and only will have his private lust undisturbed with this common.... his sitting up night after night alone, suffering nobody to come to them, and all the day too, casting off Pickering, basely reproaching him with his small estate, which yet is a good one, and other poor courses to obtain privacy beneath his honour, and with his carrying her abroad and playing on his lute under her window, and forty other poor sordid things, which I am grieved to hear; but believe it to no purpose for me to meddle with it, but let him go on till God Almighty and his own conscience and thoughts of his lady and family do it. So after long discourse, to my full satisfaction but great trouble, I home by water and at my office late, and so to supper to my poor wife, and so to bed, being troubled to think that I shall be forced to go to Brampton the next Court, next week.

Pepy's Diary. 11 Sep 1663. In my way home visited my Lord Crew and Sir Thomas, thinking they might have enquired by the by of me touching my Lord's matters at Chelsey, but they said nothing, and so after some slight common talk I bid them good night. At home to my office, and after a while doing business home to supper and bed.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Sep 1663. And after dinner my wife and I took horse, and rode with marvellous, and the first and only hour of, pleasure, that ever I had in this estate since I had to do with it, to Brampton woods; and through the wood rode, and gathered nuts in my way, and then at Graffam to an old woman's house to drink, where my wife used to go; and being in all circumstances highly pleased, and in my wife's riding and good company at this time, I rode, and she showed me the river behind my father's house, which is very pleasant, and so saw her home, and I straight to Huntingdon [Map], and there met Mr. Shepley and to the Crown (having sent home my horse by Stankes), and there a barber came and trimmed me, and thence walked to Hinchingbroke [Map], where my Lord and ladies all are just alighted. And so I in among them, and my Lord glad to see me, and the whole company. Here I staid and supped with them, and after a good stay talking, but yet observing my Lord not to be so mightily ingulphed in his pleasure in the country as I expected and hoped, I took leave of them, and after a walk in the courtyard in the dark with Mr. Howe, who tells me that my Lord do not enjoy himself and please himself as he used to do, but will hasten up to London, and that he is resolved to go to Chelsey again, which we are heartily grieved for and studious how to prevent if it be possible, I took horse, there being one appointed for me, and a groom to attend me, and so home, where my wife: staid up and sister for me, and so to bed, troubled for what I hear of my Lord.

Pepy's Diary. 23 Sep 1663. Up betimes and to my office, where setting down my journall while I was in the country to this day, and at noon by water to my Lord Crew's, and there dined with him and Sir Thomas, thinking to have them inquire something about my Lord's lodgings at Chelsey, or any thing of that sort, but they did not, nor seem to take the least notice of it, which is their discretion, though it might be better for my Lord and them too if they did, that so we might advise together for the best, which cannot be while we seem ignorant one to another, and it is not fit for me to begin the discourse.

Pepy's Diary. 12 Nov 1663. After dinner Mr. Moore and I discoursing of my Lord's negligence in attendance at Court, and the discourse the world makes of it, with the too great reason that I believe there is for it; I resolved and took coach to his lodgings, thinking to speak with my Lord about it without more ado. Here I met Mr. Howe, and he and I largely about it, and he very soberly acquainted me how things are with my Lord, that my Lord do not do anything like himself, but follows his folly, and spends his time either at cards at Court with the ladies, when he is there at all, or else at Chelsy with the slut to his great disgrace, and indeed I do see and believe that my Lord do apprehend that he do grow less too at Court.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Nov 1663. Lord's Day. Up pretty early, and having last night bespoke a coach, which failed me this morning, I walked as far as the Temple [Map], and there took coach, and to my Lord's lodgings, whom I found ready to go to chappell; but I coming, he begun, with a very serious countenance, to tell me that he had received my late letter, wherein first he took notice of my care of him and his honour, and did give me thanks for that part of it where I say that from my heart I believe the contrary of what I do there relate to be the discourse of others; but since I intended it not a reproach, but matter of information, and for him to make a judgment of it for his practice, it was necessary for me to tell him the persons of whom I have gathered the several particulars which I there insist on. I would have made excuses in it; but, seeing him so earnest in it, I found myself forced to it, and so did tell him Mr. Pierce; the chyrurgeon, in that of his Lordship's living being discoursed of at Court; a mayd servant that-I kept, that lived at Chelsy school; and also Mr. Pickering, about the report touching the young woman; and also Mr. Hunt, in Axe Yard [Map], near whom she lodged. I told him the whole city do discourse concerning his neglect of business; and so I many times asserting my dutifull intention in all this, and he owning his accepting of it as such. That that troubled me most in particular is, that he did there assert the civility of the people of the house, and the young gentlewoman, for whose reproach he was sorry. His saying that he was resolved how to live, and that though he was taking a house, meaning to live in another manner, yet it was not to please any people, or to stop report, but to please himself, though this I do believe he might say that he might not seem to me to be so much wrought upon by what I have writ; and lastly, and most of all, when I spoke of the tenderness that I have used in declaring this to him, there being nobody privy to it, he told me that I must give him leave to except one. I told him that possibly somebody might know of some thoughts of mine, I having borrowed some intelligence in this matter from them, but nobody could say they knew of the thing itself what I writ. This, I confess, however, do trouble me, for that he seemed to speak it as a quick retort, and it must sure be Will Howe, who did not see anything of what I writ, though I told him indeed that I would write; but in this, I think, there is no great hurt. I find him, though he cannot but owne his opinion of my good intentions, and so, he did again and again profess it, that he is troubled in his mind at it; and I confess, I think I may have done myself an injury for his good, which, were it to do again, and that I believed he would take it no better, I think I should sit quietly without taking any notice of it, for I doubt there is no medium between his taking it very well or very ill. I could not forbear weeping before him at the latter end, which, since, I am ashamed of, though I cannot see what he can take it to proceed from but my tenderness and good will to him.

Pepy's Diary. 28 Nov 1663. Up and at the office sat all the morning, and at noon by Mr. Coventry's (age 35) coach to the 'Change [Map], and after a little while there where I met with Mr. Pierce, the chyrurgeon, who tells me for good newes that my Lord Sandwich (age 38) is resolved to go no more to Chelsy, and told me he believed that I had been giving my Lord some counsel, which I neither denied nor affirmed, but seemed glad with him that he went thither no more, and so I home to dinner, and thence abroad to Paul's Church Yard, and there looked upon the second part of Hudibras, which I buy not, but borrow to read, to see if it be as good as the first, which the world cry so mightily up, though it hath not a good liking in me, though I had tried by twice or three times reading to bring myself to think it witty.

Pepy's Diary. 30 Nov 1663. In the evening came W. Howe to see me, who tells me that my Lord hath been angry three or four days with him, would not speak to him; at last did, and charged him with having spoken to me about what he had observed concerning his Lordship, which W. Howe denying stoutly, he was well at ease; and continues very quiett, and is removing from Chelsy as fast as he can, but, methinks, both by my Lord's looks upon me to-day, or it may be it is only my doubtfulness, and by W. Howe's discourse, my Lord is not very well pleased, nor, it may be, will be a good while, which vexes me; but I hope all will over in time, or else I am but ill rewarded for my good service.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Dec 1663. He being gone I and Mr. Howe talked a good while. He tells me that my Lord, it is true, for a while after my letter, was displeased, and did shew many slightings of me when he had occasion of mentioning me to his Lordship, but that now my Lord is in good temper and he do believe will shew me as much respect as ever, and would have me not to refrain to come to him. This news I confess did much trouble me, but when I did hear how he is come to himself, and hath wholly left Chelsy, and the slut, and that I see he do follow his business, and becomes in better repute than before, I am rejoiced to see it, though it do cost me some disfavour for a time, for if not his good nature and ingenuity, yet I believe his memory will not bear it always in his mind. But it is my comfort that this is the thing that after so many years good service that has made him my enemy.

Pepy's Diary. 08 Jun 1664. All day before dinner with Creed, talking of many things, among others, of my Lord's going so often to Chelsy, and he, without my speaking much, do tell me that his daughters do perceive all, and do hate the place, and the young woman there, Mrs. Betty Becke; for my Lord, who sent them thither only for a disguise for his going thither, will come under pretence to see them, and pack them out of doors to the Parke, and stay behind with her; but now the young ladies are gone to their mother to Kensington.

Pepy's Diary. 14 Jun 1664. So home to dinner, and after dinner by coach to Kensington. In the way overtaking Mr. Laxton, the apothecary, with his wife and daughters, very fine young lasses, in a coach; and so both of us to my Lady Sandwich (age 39), who hath lain this fortnight here at Deane Hodges's. Much company came hither to-day, my Baroness Carteret (age 62), &c., Sir William Wheeler (age 53) and his lady, and, above all, Mr. Becke, of Chelsy, and wife and daughter, my Lord's mistress, and one that hath not one good feature in her face, and yet is a fine lady, of a fine taille, and very well carriaged, and mighty discreet. I took all the occasion I could to discourse with the young ladies in her company to give occasion to her to talk, which now and then she did, and that mighty finely, and is, I perceive, a woman of such an ayre, as I wonder the less at my Lord's favour to her, and I dare warrant him she hath brains enough to entangle him. Two or three houres we were in her company, going into Sir H. Finche's (age 42) garden, and seeing the fountayne, and singing there with the ladies, and a mighty fine cool place it is, with a great laver of water in the middle and the bravest place for musique I ever heard. After much mirthe, discoursing to the ladies in defence of the city against the country or court, and giving them occasion to invite themselves to-morrow to me to dinner, to my venison pasty, I got their mother's leave, and so good night, very well pleased with my day's work, and, above all, that I have seen my Lord's mistresse.

Pepy's Diary. 18 Apr 1665. At noon with my wife and Mr. Moore by water to Chelsey about my Privy Seale (age 59) for Tangier, but my Lord Privy Seale (age 59) was gone abroad, and so we, without going out of the boat, forced to return, and found him not at White Hall. So I to Sir Philip Warwicke (age 55) and with him to my Lord Treasurer (age 58), who signed my commission for Tangier-Treasurer and the docquet of my Privy Seale, for the monies to be paid to me.

Pepy's Diary. 19 Apr 1665. Up by five o'clock, and by water to White Hall; and there took coach, and with Mr. Moore to Chelsy; where, after all my fears what doubts and difficulties my Lord Privy Seale (age 59) would make at my Tangier Privy Seale, he did pass it at first reading, without my speaking with him. And then called me in, and was very civil to me. I passed my time in contemplating (before I was called in) the picture of my Lord's son's lady, a most beautiful woman, and most like to Mrs. Butler.

Pepy's Diary. 09 Apr 1666. Thence by coach to Mrs. Pierce's, and with her and Knipp and Mrs. Pierce's boy and girle abroad, thinking to have been merry at Chelsey; but being come almost to the house by coach near the waterside, a house alone, I think the Swan [Map], a gentleman walking by called to us to tell us that the house was shut up of the sicknesse. So we with great affright turned back, being holden to the gentleman; and went away (I for my part in great disorder) for Kensington, and there I spent about 30s. upon the jades with great pleasure, and we sang finely and staid till about eight at night, the night coming on apace and so set them down at Pierce's, and so away home, where awhile with Sir W. Warren about business, and then to bed,

Pepy's Diary. 08 Aug 1666. And by and by dinner come up, and then to my sport again, but still honest; and then took coach and up and down in the country toward Acton, and then toward Chelsy, and so to Westminster, and there set her down where I took her up, with mighty pleasure in her company, and so I by coach home, and thence to Bow, with all the haste I could, to my Lady Pooly's, where my wife was with Mr. Batelier and his sisters, and there I found a noble supper, and every thing exceeding pleasant, and their mother, Mrs. Batelier, a fine woman, but mighty passionate upon sudden news brought her of the loss of a dog borrowed of the Duke of Albemarle's (age 57) son to line a bitch of hers that is very pretty, but the dog was by and by found, and so all well again, their company mighty innocent and pleasant, we having never been here before.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Aug 1667. At noon my wife and I dined at Sir W. Pen's (age 46), only with Mrs. Turner (age 44) and her husband (age 54), on a damned venison pasty, that stunk like a devil. However, I did not know it till dinner was done. We had nothing but only this, and a leg of mutton, and a pullet or two. Mrs. Markham was here, with her great belly. I was very merry, and after dinner, upon a motion of the women, I was got to go to the play with them-the first I have seen since before the Dutch coming upon our coast, and so to the King's house, to see "The Custome of the Country". The house mighty empty-more than ever I saw it-and an ill play. After the play, we into the house, and spoke with Knipp, who went abroad with us by coach to the Neat Houses in the way to Chelsy; and there, in a box in a tree, we sat and sang, and talked and eat; my wife out of humour, as she always is, when this woman is by. So, after it was dark, we home. Set Knepp down at home, who told us the story how Nell is gone from the King's house, and is kept by my Lord Buckhurst (age 24).

Pepy's Diary. 18 Nov 1667. Up, and all the morning at my office till 3 after noon with Mr. Hater about perfecting my little pocket market book of the office, till my eyes were ready to fall out of my head, and then home to dinner, glad that I had done so much, and so abroad to White Hall, to the Commissioners of the Treasury, and there did a little business with them, and so home, leaving multitudes of solicitors at their door, of one sort or other, complaining for want of such despatch as they had in my Lord Treasurer's time, when I believe more business was despatched, but it was in his manner to the King's wrong. Among others here was Gresham College coming about getting a grant of Chelsey College for their Society, which the King (age 37), it seems, hath given them his right in; but they met with some other pretences, I think; to it, besides the King's.

Pepy's Diary. 10 May 1668. Lord's Day. Up, and to the office, there to do, business till church time, when Mr. Shepley, newly come to town, come to see me, and we had some discourse of all matters, and particularly of my Lord Sandwich's (age 42) concernments, and here did by the by as he would seem tell me that my Lady [Lady Sandwich (age 43).] had it in her thoughts, if she had occasion, to, borrow £100 of me, which I did not declare any opposition to, though I doubt it will be so much lost. But, however, I will not deny my Lady, if she ask it, whatever comes of it, though it be lost; but shall be glad that it is no bigger sum. And yet it vexes me though, and the more because it brings into my head some apprehensions what trouble I may here after be brought to when my Lord comes home, if he should ask me to come into bonds with him, as I fear he will have occasions to make money, but I hope I shall have the wit to deny it. He being gone, I to church, and so home, and there comes W. Hewer (age 26) and Balty (age 28), and by and by I sent for Mercer to come and dine with me, and pretty merry, and after dinner I fell to teach her "Canite Jehovae", which she did a great part presently, and so she away, and I to church, and from church home with my Lady Pen (age 44); and, after being there an hour or so talking, I took her, and Mrs. Lowther, and old Mrs. Whistler, her mother-in-law, by water with great pleasure as far as Chelsy, and so back to Spring Garden, at Fox-Hall, and there walked, and eat, and drank, and so to water again, and set down the old woman at home at Durham Yard:' and it raining all the way, it troubled us; but, however, my cloak kept us all dry, and so home, and at the Tower Wharfe [Map] there we did send for a pair of old shoes for Mrs. Lowther, and there I did pull the others off and put them on, elle being peu shy, but do speak con mighty kindness to me that she would desire me pour su mari if it were to be done.... Here staid a little at Sir W. Pen's (age 47), who was gone to bed, it being about eleven at night, and so I home to bed.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Feb 1669. Lord's Day. Up, and with my wife and two girls [Barbara Pepys and Elizabeth Pepys] to church, they very fine; and so home, where comes my cozen Roger (age 51) and his wife, I having sent for them, to dine with us, and there comes in by chance also Mr. Shepley, who is come to town with my Lady Paulina (age 20), who is desperately sick, and is gone to Chelsey, to the old house where my Lord himself was once sick, where I doubt my Lord means to visit hers more for young Mrs. Beck's sake than for hers. Here we dined with W. Batelier, and W. Hewer (age 27) with us, these two, girls making it necessary that they be always with us, for I am not company light enough to be always merry with them and so sat talking all the afternoon, and then Shepley went: away first, and then my cozen Roger (age 51) and his wife. And so I, to my Office, to write down my Journall, and so home to my chamber and to do a little business there, my papers being in mighty disorder, and likely so to continue while these girls are with us.

On 22 Jul 1700 Thomas Newport 1st Baron Torrington (age 45) and Penelope Bridgeman were married at Chelsea. He the son of Francis Newport 1st Earl Bradford (age 80) and Diana Russell Countess Bradford.

On 05 Jul 1718 Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Marquess Hertford was born to Francis Seymour-Conway 1st Baron Conway (age 39) and Charlotte Shorter at Chelsea.

On 26 Jun 1803 Elizabeth Augusta de Grey was born to Thomas Grey 4th Baron Walsingham (age 25) and Elizabeth North Baroness Walsingham (age 26) at Chelsea.

On 06 Jul 1804 Thomas Grey 5th Baron Walsingham was born to Thomas Grey 4th Baron Walsingham (age 26) and Elizabeth North Baroness Walsingham (age 27) at Chelsea.

On 25 Jun 1863 Charles William Cavendish (age 40) and Louisa Cockburn (age 24) were married at Chelsea.

On 21 Apr 1922 Lieutenant David Hugh Joicey was born to Hugh Edward Joicey 3rd Baron (age 41) and Joan Katherine Lambton Baroness Joicey (age 28) at Chelsea. He ws educated at Eton College [Map] and Christ Church College, Oxford University for one year.

On 14 Apr 1925 John Singer Sargent (age 69) died suddenly at his home in Chelsea.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Beaufort House [Map]

Survey London Volume 4 Chelsea Part II. The Site of Beaufort House [Map].

In the whole history of Chelsea, a history which is indeed famous, so many notable men and women has this little village known-the chief interest has centred about Beaufort House [Map]. From those early days in the 16th century, when it was the well-loved home of Sir Thomas More, until the 18th, when it was the seat of the Duke of Beaufort, it yielded to no other house in importance, not to King Henry VIII's manor house in Cheyne Walk, nor to the Earl of Shrewsbury's mansion, nor to the old manor house with which it shared the dignity of a proprietary chapel in the old Church. It did not carry with it the lordship of the manor, but its property was extensive, including practically the frontage of the Thames between Milman Street and Church Street, and its gardens stretched northwards as far as the King's Road [Map].

Banqueting House

Pepy's Diary. 27 May 1663. Then into the Great Garden up to the Banqueting House; and there by his glass we drew in the species very pretty. Afterwards to ninepins, where I won a shilling, Creed and I playing against my Lord and Cooke. This day there was great thronging to Banstead Downs, Surrey, upon a great horse-race and foot-race. I am sorry I could not go thither.

Beaufort House Gardens

Pepy's Diary. 27 May 1663. Then into the Great Garden up to the Banqueting House; and there by his glass we drew in the species very pretty. Afterwards to ninepins, where I won a shilling, Creed and I playing against my Lord and Cooke. This day there was great thronging to Banstead Downs, Surrey, upon a great horse-race and foot-race. I am sorry I could not go thither.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Cadogan Street

Pont Street

Farm House Pont Street

The Times. 17 Jan 1918. THE EARL OF CARLISLE (age 23) AND MISS RUTHVEN (age 21).

The Marriage of Lieutenant the Earl of Carlisle (age 23) and Miss Bridget Helen Ruthven (age 21) eldest daughter of the Master of Ruthven (age 47) and the Hon. Mrs. Ruthven took place yesterday at St. Paul's Church, Knightsbridge. The ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Oxford (Dr. Charles Gore) (age 64), cousin of the bride. assisted bv the Rev. Canon Sheppard, D.D. Sub-Dean of the Chapel Royal (age 37).

The bride, who was given away by her father (age 47) wore a gown of cloth of silver, covered with Old Brussels lace. and lace sleeves, and as tulle veil vith wreath of real orange blossom. and carried a bouquet of myrtle. She was attended by three little pages and one bridesmaid. The pages were Master Patrick Hore-Ruthven, son of Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. Alexander and Mrs. Hore-Ruthvcn, couson of the bride Master Michael Henley son or the Hon. Francis and Lady Dorothy Henley; and Master Anthony Toynbee son of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Toynbee, cousins of the bridegroom. They wore Kate Greenaway costumes of pale pink satin, with lawn collars and cuffs. The bridesmaid, Miss Jean Ruthven, sister of the bride, also wore pale pink satin, with a ruby-coloured velvet waistband embroidered in silver, a pale pink veil, with wreath of green leaves. She carried a small bouquet of myrtle. Lioutetant Henry Bovell, R.N.. was best man.

Among those present were:-.

The Hon. Mrs. Ruthven and the Misses Ruthven, Mrs. Jampson grandmother of the bride. Lord Ruthven, the Hon. Mrs. Alexander Hore-Ruthin. the Hon. Geoffrey Howard. M.P.. Professor Gilbert Murray and Lady Mary Murray. Lady Cecelia Roberts. Lady Dorothy Hanley, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Toynbee. the Duchess of Buccleuch and lady Sybil Scott, Winifred Countess of Arran, Lady Winifred Gore and Mrs. Dougal Malcolm, Mr. and Lady Mary Ehart, Viscountess Hambleden and the Hon. Edith Smith, Lord Sheffield, Viscount and Viscountess Dunluce. the Countess of Selkirk, Lord and Lady Stuart-Wortley, Grace Countess of Weymss, the Dowager Countems of Airlie. Lady Helen Mitford, Mrs. L'Estrange. Mrs. L'Estrange Malone, Lady Alwyne Compton. Lady Victoria Russell and the Misses Russell. Lady Jane Combe and the Misses Combe. Lady Blanche Conyngham, Lady (Francis) Howard, Lady Gore, Baroness Geneville aind Miss Winifred Paget.....

Men from nthe ship on which the Earl of Carlislc served at the Battle of Jutlaud formed a Guard of honour as the brlde and bridegroom left the church. There was no reception after the ceremony, but relatives went on to Farm House, Pont-street. Later the Earl (age 23) and Countess of Carlisle (age 21) left to spend the honeymoon at Muncaster Castle [Map], the brlde vearing a dress of mole-coloured chiffon velvet with a fur coat aud a mole velvet toque.

St Mary's Church Cadogan Street

On 18 Aug 1828 Henry Pelham 3rd Earl Chichester (age 23) and Mary Brudenell Countess Chichester (age 22) were married at St Mary's Church Cadogan Street. She by marriage Countess Chichester. She the daughter of Robert Brudenell 6th Earl Cardigan (age 59) and Penelope Cooke Countess Cardigan. He the son of Thomas Pelham 2nd Earl Chichester and Mary Henrietta Juliana Osborne Countess Chichester (age 51).

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea Manor [Map]

On 16 Jul 1557 Anne of Cleves Queen Consort England (age 41) died at Chelsea Manor [Map]. She was buried at Westminster Abbey [Map] on 03 Aug 1557. She was the last of Henry VIII's six wives to die having outlived him by ten years.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea Old Church

On 19 Nov 1557 John Braye 2nd Baron Braye died from wounds received at the Battle of St Quentin without issue. He was buried at Chelsea Old Church. Baron Braye abeyant between his six sisters inherited. The abeyance would be terminated in 1839 in favour of Sarah Otway-Cave 3rd Baroness Braye a descendant of his sister Elizabeth Braye (age 56).

Henry Machyn's Diary. 23 Nov 1557. The xxiij day of November was cared from Blake-freres to Temes syd, and ther wher rede to grett barges covered with blake and armes hangyng for my lord Bray, and so by water to Chelsey, to be bereyd by ys father, with iiij haroldes of armes, and a standard and a baner of armes, and ij baners of emages borne by ij haroldes of armes in ther cott armurs, and so mony nobull men morners in blake, and xvj porre men had new gownes, and a xvj grett torchys, ij whytt branchys, and iiij grett tapurs, and a cott armur, elmett, target, sword, and mantylles, and a viij dosen of skochyons; and after messe, and ther wher mony prestes and clarkes, and the dener at ys plase at Blake-frers, and so they cam bake from Cheshey to dener.

Note. P. 158. Funeral of lord Bray. "John lord Bray dyed in the late Black fryers in London on thursday the xixth of November 1557 and was beryed at Chelsey in the middest of the high chauncell with his father and grand-father the 23. of November." MS. Harl. 874, f. 79.—The full narrative of his funeral, which is recorded in the College of Arms, I. 15, f. 279, has been printed by Lysons in his Environs of London, and by Faulkner in his History of Chelsea.

Around 1565 Elizabeth Fiennes died. She was buried at Chelsea Old Church.

On 25 Dec 1594 Gregory Fiennes 10th Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 55) died. He was buried at Chelsea Old Church. His sister Margaret Fiennes 11th Baroness Dacre Gilsland (age 53) succeeded 11th Baroness Dacre Gilsland. Samson Lennard Baron Dacre Gilsland (age 50) by marriage Baron Dacre Gilsland.

On 25 Feb 1603 Katherine Carey Countess Nottingham (age 53) died at Arundel House [Map]. She was buried in Chelsea Old Church on 25 Apr 1603.

On 30 Jun 1698 Charles Cheyne 1st Viscount Newhaven (age 72) died. He was buried at Chelsea Old Church. His son William Cheyne 2nd Viscount Newhaven (age 40) succeeded 2nd Viscount Newhaven.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Church Street

147 Church Street, Chelsea

On 24 Jan 1938 Adrian Jones (age 92) died at his home 147 Church Street, Chelsea.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Eaton Gardens

26 Eaton Gardens

On 26 Apr 1923 Dorothea Hay Countess Chesterfield (age 95) died at 26 Eaton Gardens. She was buried at St Cuthbert's Church, Holme Lacy [Map].

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Eaton Mansions

12a Eaton Mansions

On 07 May 1959 Samuel Hoare 1st Viscount Templewood (age 79) died at his home 12a Eaton Mansions. Viscount Templewood of Chelsea in Middlesex and Baronet Hoare of Sidestrand Hall extinct.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, King's Road [Map]

Survey London Volume 4 Chelsea Part II. The house stood across the line of the present Beaufort Street and rather nearer King's Road [Map] than the river. Between it and the way along the waterside were two large courtyards, and opposite was a quay. The remainder of the estate, south of the present King's Road, was laid out in gardens and orchards, with the exception of the stable buildings, where now is the Moravian Burial Ground, and the farmhouse and barns on the site of Lindsey House. The situation, attractive as it is now, was far lovelier then, when across the Surrey bank was a view of undisturbed wood and pasture.

211 King's Road King's Road

Argyll House 211 King's Road King's Road

Chelsea Town Hall King's Road

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Lindsey Row

7 Lindsey Row

Letters of James McNeill Whistler 1863. 16 Mar 1863 or 23 Mar 1863. 7a Queens Road West, Chelsea. Monday - / March

Dear Rose (age 43) -

Any news about "my house" - . Is it all right? am I wanted to take any step? or will it all be settled without me? Are you going to make him do anything at all to the house and can I go in shortly when the agreement is made

I have been knocked up for a couple of days with rheumatism but hope to get to work again tomorrow - I was very sorry not to see you the other day at Rossetti's (age 34) -

Will you drop me a line about the house.

With many thanks

Ever Yours

J Whistler (age 28)

Letters of James McNeill Whistler 1863. 13 May 1863. 7 Lindsey Row Battersea Bridge Old Chelsea. Wednesday

Dear Rossetti (age 35) -

Note D. come and breakfast with me on Sunday next at half past eleven - to meet Gambart (age 48) and perhaps Steevens (age 40) -

Ever yours

J Whistler (age 28)

Letters of James McNeill Whistler 1863. 31 May 1863. 7 Lindsey Row Old Chelsea. Sunday

Dear Sandys (age 34) -

You have done the proper thing thoroughly and I only wish I could accept your jolly invitation and do the yachting and eat the dinner which I have no doubt will be stunning -

but it's of no use - I must stick to a couple of pictures, commissions! for I am just about cleaned out - and tin will be forked over on their completion -

Your "Vivien" is splendid in tone and colour especially the head - of course it is badly hung -

One of my pictures [is] refused and one put on the floor - You will perhaps be pleased to hear that the "White Girl" is a real success in Paris - and already I have had a letter to know if it may be possessed for gold! -

Adieu mon cher - Remember me to Tom Geckyl (age 35) -

Jo (age 20) says many things aimables - and if ever I lent her to anyone to paint, it should certainly be to you mon ami -

Adieu again - and success to the trip -

Ever yours,

J. Whistler (age 28)

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Lowndes Square

14 William Street Lowndes Square

On 08 Aug 1871 Olga de Meyer was born at 14 William Street Lowndes Square. Possibly a daughter of the Prince of Wales (age 29).

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Neat Houses

Pepy's Diary. 12 Sep 1664. Anon took boat and by water to the Neat Houses over against Fox Hall to have seen Greatorex (age 39) dive, which Jervas and his wife were gone to see, and there I found them (and did it the rather for a pretence for my having been so long at their house), but being disappointed of some necessaries to do it I staid not, but back to Jane, but she would not go out with me.

Pepy's Diary. 05 Aug 1666. So home, and had a good dinner, and after dinner with my wife, and Mercer, and Jane by water, all the afternoon up as high as Morclaeke with great pleasure, and a fine day, reading over the second part of "The Siege of Rhodes", with great delight. We landed and walked at Barne-elmes, and then at the Neat Houses I landed and bought a millon, [melon] and we did also land and eat and drink at Wandsworth, Surrey, and so to the Old Swan [Map], and thence walked home. It being a mighty fine cool evening, and there being come, my wife and I spent an houre in the garden, talking of our living in the country, when I shall be turned out of the office, as I fear the Parliament may find faults enough with the office to remove us all, and I am joyed to think in how good a condition I am to retire thither, and have wherewith very well to subsist. Nan, at Sir W. Pen's (age 45), lately married to one Markeham, a kinsman of Sir W. Pen's (age 45), a pretty wench she is.

Pepy's Diary. 01 Aug 1667. At noon my wife and I dined at Sir W. Pen's (age 46), only with Mrs. Turner (age 44) and her husband (age 54), on a damned venison pasty, that stunk like a devil. However, I did not know it till dinner was done. We had nothing but only this, and a leg of mutton, and a pullet or two. Mrs. Markham was here, with her great belly. I was very merry, and after dinner, upon a motion of the women, I was got to go to the play with them-the first I have seen since before the Dutch coming upon our coast, and so to the King's house, to see "The Custome of the Country". The house mighty empty-more than ever I saw it-and an ill play. After the play, we into the house, and spoke with Knipp, who went abroad with us by coach to the Neat Houses in the way to Chelsy; and there, in a box in a tree, we sat and sang, and talked and eat; my wife out of humour, as she always is, when this woman is by. So, after it was dark, we home. Set Knepp down at home, who told us the story how Nell is gone from the King's house, and is kept by my Lord Buckhurst (age 24).

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Old Manor

After 31 Jan 1547 Catherine Parr Queen Consort England (age 34) resided at Old Manor.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Propsect Place

5 Propsect Place

30 Mar 1851. Census. 5 Propsect Place.

William Holman Hunt (age 23). 22. Historical Painter.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Queens Road West

7A Queens Road West

Letters of James McNeill Whistler 1863. 16 Mar 1863 or 23 Mar 1863. 7a Queens Road West, Chelsea. Monday - / March

Dear Rose (age 43) -

Any news about "my house" - . Is it all right? am I wanted to take any step? or will it all be settled without me? Are you going to make him do anything at all to the house and can I go in shortly when the agreement is made

I have been knocked up for a couple of days with rheumatism but hope to get to work again tomorrow - I was very sorry not to see you the other day at Rossetti's (age 34) -

Will you drop me a line about the house.

With many thanks

Ever Yours

J Whistler (age 28)

Letters of James McNeill Whistler 1863. 7A Queens Road West - Chelsea - Friday

Dear Rose -

Many thanks for all that [you] have done and are so kindly doing for me - I shall only be too glad to see about what etchings I may have for exhibition by Thursday next - Tomorrow though I can't have the pleasure of dining with you, as I am finishing The White Girl for the Salon in Paris and it ought to go off on Monday - so that I should be painting at it until late in the evening - I would very much like you to see it before I send it - If you were by any chance in Rossetti's neighborhood tomorrow morning and could drop in and have a peep -

Shall I send the Brittany Sea piece to the 'Artists & Amateurs' or would it be too large?

Ever Yours

J Whistler

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea

In 1742 Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea were opened to the public as a more fashionable, and more expensive, competitor to Vauxhall Gardens. The Rotunda was 37m across. It was closed in 1803 and demonlished in 1805.

Rotunda Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea

In 1742 Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea were opened to the public as a more fashionable, and more expensive, competitor to Vauxhall Gardens. The Rotunda was 37m across. It was closed in 1803 and demonlished in 1805.

Around 1751. Canaletto (age 53). Royal Hospital Chelsea, Rotunda Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea and Ranelagh House.

Around 1754. Canaletto (age 56). View of the interior of the Rotunda Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Ranelagh House

On 05 Jan 1712 Richard Jones 1st Earl Ranelagh (age 70) died. His daughter Catherine Jones (age 40) inherited Ranelagh House.

Around 1751. Canaletto (age 53). Royal Hospital Chelsea, Rotunda Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea and Ranelagh House.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Royal Hospital Chelsea

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Jan 1682. This evening, Sir Stephen Fox (age 54) acquainted me again with his Majesty's (age 51) resolution of proceeding in the erection of a Royal Hospital for emerited soldiers on that spot of ground which the Royal Society had sold to his Majesty (age 51) for £1,300, and that he would settle £5,000 per annum on it, and build to the value of £20,000 for the relief and reception of four companies, namely, 400 men, to be as in a college, or monastery. I was therefore desired by Sir Stephen (age 54) (who had not only the whole managing of this, but was, as I perceived, himself to be a grand benefactor, as well it became him who had gotten so vast an estate by the soldiers) to assist him, and consult what method to cast it in, as to the government. So, in his study we arranged the governor, chaplain, steward, housekeeper, chirurgeon, cook, butler, gardener, porter, and other officers, with their several salaries and entertainments. I would needs have a library, and mentioned several books, since some soldiers might possibly be studious, when they were at leisure to recollect. Thus we made the first calculations, and set down our thoughts to be considered and digested better, to show his Majesty (age 51) and the Archbishop. He also engaged me to consider of what laws and orders were fit for the government, which was to be in every respect as strict as in any religious convent.

Evelyn's Diary. 25 May 1682. I was desired by Sir Stephen Fox (age 55) and Sir Christopher Wren (age 58) to accompany them to Lambeth, Surrey [Map], with the plot and design of the college to be built at Chelsea, to have the Archbishop's approbation. It was a quadrangle of 200 feet square, after the dimensions of the larger quadrangle at Christ church, Oxford, for the accommodation of 440 persons, with Governor of and officers. This was agreed on.

Evelyn's Diary. 04 Aug 1682. With Sir Stephen Fox (age 55), to survey the foundations of the Royal Hospital begun at Chelsea.

Around 1751. Canaletto (age 53). Royal Hospital Chelsea, Rotunda Ranelagh Gardens Chelsea and Ranelagh House.

On 13 Oct 1791 Elizabeth Beckford Countess Effingham (age 66) died at Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, Chelsea, Sloane Street

91 Sloane Street

On 01 Apr 1861 Charlotte Susan Maria Campbell (age 86) died at 91 Sloane Street.

The Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity with Saint Jude, Sloane Street

On 30 Apr 1892 Henry Arthur Cadogan (age 23) and Mildred Cecilia Sturt Lady Montagu (age 23) were married at The Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity with Saint Jude, Sloane Street. He the son of George Cadogan 5th Earl Cadogan (age 51) and Beatrix Jane Craven Countess Cadogan (age 47).

On 20 Jan 1898 Henry Cyril "Toppy" Paget 5th Marquess Anglesey (age 22) and Lilian Florence Chetwynd Marchionness of Anglsey (age 21) were married in a Catholic ceremony at The Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity with Saint Jude, Sloane Street. She the daughter of George Chetwynd 4th Baronet (age 48) and Florence Cecilia Paget Marchioness Hastings (age 55). He the son of Henry Paget 4th Marquess Anglesey (age 62) and Blanche Mary Boyd. They were first cousins.

On 28 Jul 1910 Herbert Dixon Asquith (age 29) and Cynthia Mary Evelyn Charteris (age 23) were married at The Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity with Saint Jude, Sloane Street. She the daughter of Hugo Charteris 11th Earl Wemyss (age 52) and Mary Constance Wyndham Countess Wemyss (age 47). He the son of Herbert Henry Asquith 1st Earl of Oxford and Asquith (age 57) and Helen Kelsall Melland.

Europe, British Isles, England, London, St Luke's Church Chelsea

On 19 Mar 1825 William Owen (deceased) was buried St Luke's Church Chelsea in a private ceremony attended by family and close friends, including Thomas Lawrence (age 55), Richard Westmacott (age 49), Thomas Phillips (age 54) and 'Thompson' [probably Thomas Clement Thompson (age 45)].